Why are people so nice and friendly in the Philippines?

Why do people in the Philippines get on the case of Balikbayans when they visit the Philippines?

• Why do so many people in the Philippines play this guilt game with Balikbayans? I've heard from people that I shouldn't be living it up or having a good time because of the ...show more

• Answer:

  Yes, I've had this experience and I have been given the guilt speech. But no, I don't share your conviction that you have a right to blow your money any which way you want while you are completely surrounded by countless souls who struggle every day with feeding their infant children no matter how hard they try. I'm a human being living in civilized society. I'm not an island. As such I believe that people have an obligation to care for me should I get into trouble and for me to return the favor should the roles be reversed (and it will some day, TRUST ME.) I have an obligation to care for myself and perhaps others around me--if I have the means. When I contemplate whether I will spend a "hard-earned" $50 for a 2 hour massage at a Makati spa or just get a cheaper mall massage for $20 and give the rest to families wallowing on a park bench overnight--I often choose the latter option. Besides, have you ever tried to donate your time and money to help out the (much) less fortunate? I assume you haven't based on your question. However, if and when you do, you may be surprised to find out that you can derive as much, if not more, pleasure and well-being from doing charity so than shoving a $30 steak down your throat or getting that Shangril-La massage. I know I do. You should try it sometime. That's happiness, my friend. That's one of the reasons I visit the Philippines because in all honesty why would you go to the Philippines in the first place? Pinas does not have the best clubs/lounges, but I know that it has more needy souls per square kilometer than most places in the world. This brings up another point. I think the core reason why some balikbayans take the trip back home is to show off their perceived "wealth" and success to their less fortunate countrymen. Why, because it's a ego trip for some of us. Nothing says "I am not a failure" to an insecure narcissist than strutting in front of a gaggle of squatters holding out their hand for a measly peso--and for us to snicker, mutter a quick "I am better off than you" and walk on.